The pair I bought at auction arrived today. Didn't save as much as I would have liked but...I didn't want to wait to hear them so did what many of you will frown at. I removed my left and right speakers, swapped out taller stands, stacked some empty DS cases on the sides of each one and turned the receiver on.My first thought was my old mains really sucked. I didn't have to listen for the difference,it was evident right away. They must have been really bad because these sound better with out facing the listener. I was surprised how much more base these had when compared with the speakers I removed. It could be because thees only 3" between the bottom and the stand.We listened to quite a few random songs and watched the last half of a movie we started late last night.I'm exited.Can't wait till the color samples show up so I can place my order for the new fronts and center.I am thinking the new surrounds might have to wait but based on how these sound I know it will be worth it.